Def Jux Rapper/Producer Camu Tao, R.I.P.

Tero Smith, aka Columbus, Ohio MC and producer Camu Tao, died May 25 at the age of 30. His passing put an end to a year-and-a-half-long battle with lung cancer.

A member of the Definitive Jux family, Camu Tao worked with RJD2 and Copywrite in MHz, with Cage in Nighthawks, and Metro in S.A. Smash. He collaborated frequently with El-P, both on solo projects and in their groups Central Services and the Weathermen (which also included Cage, Yak Ballz, Tame One, and Breeze Brewin).

"Today, at around 2 p.m., our dear friend, family member, and musical collaborator Tero 'Camu Tao' Smith passed away in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Tero had been quietly fighting for his life for the last year and a half after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

To those who knew Tero, he was an almost uncategorizable force of nature. Wild, hilarious, proud, loving, tough, outspoken, spontaneous and brilliant. He wore his heart on his sleeve, and he dripped creativity, leaving inspiration and awe in the hearts and minds of anyone who was fortunate enough to see him work.

We, his friends and family, have truly had our collective hearts broken by his passing. Not only because of the loss of our friend, but because of the loss of his contribution to those who never knew what we knew about his talent and his potential. He was the secret that no one wanted to keep, and we always knew that one day his vision and his heart could change music forever the way he changed all of our lives.

His departure from us all one month away from his 31st birthday is nothing less than a tragedy...nothing less than a crime. He was a gift to us all, and he is irreplaceable. Rest in peace, Mu. We will love you forever. May god bless you and your family."